Jack said that writing a book was important to him. During our Options Review Session he outlined how the book would boost his career. I gave him some planning exercises to work through. Six months later, I still haven’t seen them.
Jack and I have talked. He says the book is important. He says he’ll “get to” the exercises. Jack is not unusual.
Most of the people I talk to don’t wind up writing a book. For some of them, that’s a good, and conscious, decision. Writing a book is hard work. It takes time that has to be carved out of what’s usually a busy schedule. Some people evaluate that and say, “Nope. It’s not for me, at least not now.”
Other people are like Jack. They tell others that they’re committed to writing a book. They even tell themselves that, but their actions send a different message.
If you’re serious about writing your book now, it will show in your choices and actions. Here are two questions to ask yourself.
Have you set aside regular time to write your book?
Some authors get up early. Some stay up late. All of them make time to write.
Is that writing time sacred?
If you’re serious about writing a book, you’ll choose to work on it when you could be doing other things. Important activities should get priority.
If you’re serious about writing your book
Yoda was right. When it comes to writing a book, there is no “try,” there is only “do.” Either get on with it or quit telling everyone, including yourself, that it’s important.
Bottom Line
You’re either writing your book or you’re not. Don’t kid yourself.